Flowers That Bloom in April


Spring is associated with blooming flowers, but not all flowering plants will bloom in the springtime. Some may wait until later in summer and some won't even show their flowers until the winter comes around. This makes April one of the most important months for gardeners to consider. Choosing the right flowers and planting them at the right time can mean April is one of the most beautiful and rewarding months of the year. This is why you might be looking for flowers that are in season in April. thedailyECO helps you choose what's best for you and your garden with 10 flowers that bloom in April.
- Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
- Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
- Golden trumpet tree (Tabebuia ochracea)
- Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
- Gerbera (Gerbera spp.)
- Cherry blossom tree (Prunus spp.)
- Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
- Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
- Grape hyacinth (Muscari spp.)
- Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
Common lilac is a small shrub that produces beautiful clusters of four-petaled flowers in various shades, ranging from purple to white. There are also some very special varieties that produce purple with white-lined margins, among other very special cultivars which have create a Wonderblue lilac in blue and Primrose lilac in yellow.
These lilacs bloom in mid-April and give off a sweet aroma that makes them a great addition to the garden. They can bloom until the summer. They are native to the Balkans, but are now distributed worldwide for their fragrant and beautiful flowers. They bloom for a long time, lasting up to three or four weeks before they wilt.

Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
Not all types of rhododendrons are flowers that bloom in April, but there are various species which are in season during this month. They include the following:
- Rhododendron fulvum (R. fulvum): produces pinkish-orange flowers.
- Bearded rhododendron (R. barbatum): produces red flowers.
- Rhododendron ‘Cilpinense’ (R. ciliatum x. R. moupinense): white flowers slightly tinted with pink at the tips.
They are highly sought-after flowers because they are produced in large quantities and can be used as border hedges that serve to divide spaces. They can also be used as cover under trees.
Learn about some specific flowers from the Rhododendron genus with our guide to the different types of azaleas.

Golden trumpet tree (Tabebuia ochracea)
This is a spectacular tree that produces vibrant yellow flowers, which bloom in May and April. It sheds all its leaves and becomes completely covered in blossoms, all bursting from different trees at the same time. This creates an unforgettable spectacle that is amazing, as long as you have enough space in the garden. It is native to Central America, but has naturalized in other warm climates. It can bloom up to three times per season.

Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
Another tree that flowers in April, the flowering dogwood is noted for its beautiful blooms. While its large white bracts appear as if they are the petals of a flower, the inflorescence is actually the small green balls which appear in the center. You can see this in the photo we share below. There are also some pink cultivars. When blooming, its leaves drop and are replaced by these flowers.
This tree also provides another beautiful spectacle in the fall when the leaves turn crimson. After the flowers mature, they turn into small, globose red fruits. These fruits are important food for various birds. Their flowers are also important for various types of pollinators.

Gerbera (Gerbera spp.)
The flowers of the Gerbera genus behave differently depending on whether they are grown in controlled greenhouses or in the wild. They can be found year-round in controlled environments, but they can only be enjoyed in nature beginning in April and extending their blooms into summer. In floristry, the gerbera is said to be the flower of the month of April. Various meanings are attributed to it, such as bringing joy to those who are sad.
They are among the most popular and classic flowers, with a black or green center and several long petals surrounding them. They come in a variety of colors, from purple to yellow to orange. As cut flowers, they are very durable and can last up to a week, as long as they are provided with constant fresh water.

Cherry blossom tree (Prunus spp.)
Known as sakura in Japan, the cherry blossom is one of the greatest symbols of Japanese spring. It blooms from April to May, with April being the month when it is at its peak. It lasts 10 to 20 days and then the cherries appear. Although it is native to Eurasia, it has spread to several temperate zones around the world due to its great attractiveness and fruit production. It is their famous blossoms which you can see in the photo below.
You can learn more about these beautiful genus with our guide to the different types of cherry trees.

Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
These flowers bloom in April and May, but it is April hen they reach their peak. Also known as bull bay, they produce enormous white flowers which are 12" (30 cm) in diameter and a fragrant aroma. The leaves are dark green, glossy and thick. They hang from large trees that reach 52 ft (25 m) in height.

Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
The common bluebell is a delicate plant that produces a tall stem from which hang little bells of violet-blue flowers. It is a common plant in Europe and often grows wild in forests, forming brightly colored carpets of flowers. It can also be used in cultivated gardens for decoration.
If you like blues, you may also want to check out our guide to plants that have purple flowers.

Grape hyacinth (Muscari spp.)
They grow very low to the ground, but are no less striking than the other flowers that bloom in April. These flowers stand out because they are globular, almost fruit-like. They barely open at the bottom and have a white border that stands out like ruffles from the rest of the flower which is violet-blue in color. There are also white, pink or purple varieties, although the blue one is the most typical.
The grape hyacinth resembles a hyacinth bearing grapes, hence the common name. They are highly sought after for gardening due to their beautiful appearance. They are types of spring flowers which can be seen in April.

Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)
This is a shrub that produces highly valuable flowers. They have four petals and completely cover branches that have lost their leaves. You can see forsythia in bloom in the photo below. They're also unusual because these flowers point toward the sun.
Now that you know some flowers in season in April, you may want to find some that bloom a little earlier with our article on flowers that bloom in March.

If you want to read similar articles to Flowers That Bloom in April, we recommend you visit our Outdoor plants category.
- Mertz Library, New York Botanical Garden. (2024). Flowering Schedule at NYBG.
https://libguides.nybg.org/floweringschedule